If you have an
older model slow cooker or you purchase one used at a garage
sale, you should make sure you test it to ensure that it will
raise the temperature to a high enough degree that will kill
harmful bacteria in meat such as beef and chicken. Fortunately,
it is quite easy to test your crock pot to make sure it will
cook your meals safely.

To test to ensure
your slow cooker is getting hot enough to safely cook your
meals, fill the slow cooker with two quarts of water. Place
the lid on and heat for eight hours. After eight hours, lift
the lid and immediately place a thermometer into the water.
It should read 185F.

If it reads higher
than 185F, you should adjust your cooking time slightly. This
will ensure your meals are not overcooked.

If the water does
not read 185F you need to discard the slow cooker, or exchange
it if you have recently purchased it new or it is under warranty.
If you use a slow cooker that does not reach 185F after eight
hours, you risk getting sick because it is not reaching the
safe cooking temperature which is required for meat.